“I’m seeing more and more former players that are getting more excited about the program again,” Cabral said Monday during another emotional news conference in which he didn’t need a mike as much as a hanky. “They’re all into it. They’re very proud of this team. They’re very proud of these players and what we’ve accomplished these last two weeks.”

The biggest question is if the administration is excited. Cabral is 2-0, only the second interim coach in the country to have a winning record since 1979. Athletic director Mike Bohn and a newly announced selection committee are busy screening candidates believed to range from the believable, such as former Colorado coach Bill McCartney, to the unbelievable, such as Louisiana State’s Les Miles.

Cabral, who has lifted the Buffaloes to 5-6 and a win at Nebraska on Friday from a bowl game, is coaching himself into heavy consideration.

“There’s been strong interest in Brian, especially since he was named interim head coach,” said David Clough, chair of the search committee. “I just may not be reading it correctly because of the direct input I get. I think it’s measurable, but I can’t say it’s gone way up from our perception.”

Cabral does have one advantage. He does understand Colorado and its culture. He has been an assistant for 21 years and played here for four more.

The committee won’t overlook that.

“If I were to talk to a head coach and got the feeling they were coming to Boulder and they’re going to change it to their way, they’re pretty naive,” Clough said. “It’s very realistic what we are and who we are and what can be done here.”

However, Clough wants to make something clear. This search will not be provincial.

“This is a broad-based and inclusive search,” Clough said. “Some people have the attitude that if you’re looking outside what might be close ties with the university, you’re making a big mistake. We’re of the perspective that we want to wind up with the best coach.”

Cabral, 54, is making a case. In two games, he has re-emphasized the ground game, brought back past Buffalo greats and circled Nebraska week in red again. The team’s attitude is almost as jacked up as its offense, which has scored 78 points in those two games.

“I can lead,” Cabral said. “I can inspire. I can make a difference. I’ve always known that about myself.”

On Monday, Cabral welled up talking about his first recruiting trip to Boulder as a Hawaiian teenager, the help he’s getting from his staff and his general gratitude in leading his alma mater.

“I represent every Buff that wore that helmet, every guy that put on black and gold,” he said. “I represent them. And I’m living a dream right now. To be in this position and to lead a team, to lead a team into a week like Nebraska, to lead a team into a place like Lincoln, I’m so privileged. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity.”

He’s made a point not to campaign for the job. If you look at his record, he already is.

“If this goes nowhere,” Cabral said, “I can have the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve experienced everything that I thought I was capable of doing and capable of being.”

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